Graves to St. Louis and other links

We hardly knew ya, Ty Graves. As BC announced last week, Graves is leaving the program. Now we know he is headed to St. Louis. Maybe he will get the minutes and starts he wants there.

Hockey finished 3rd in the Three Rivers Classic.

The story of former BC guy Miles Wood history with Alex Ovechkin is going viral.

The Chargers are activating Andre Williams.

Bowl talk and other links

CBS' Jerry Palm, who tends to be the most accurate, saw enough from BC to now slot us in a Bowl. He places us against Maryland in Detroit. That's progress, I guess.

The guy who scored the winning TD for Georgia Tech is now suspended. How come these things never happen before the game?

Andre Williams is hoping for a career resurrection in San Diego.

Checking in on BC NFL Alumni

BC's camp doesn't start for another week, but former BC guys are all over NFL practice fields. Here are some of their stories:

Andre Williams made some headlines when he said the Giants are going to the Super Bowl. It wasn't a bold proclamation like Joe Namath...more like the power of positive thinking.

Edebali is playing well in New Orleans.

Raji reported to Green Bay in good shape. It is the lightest he's been since BC.

Matt Ryan has a new offense and some new facial hair.

Andre makes good first impression

I usually don't care about preseason football, but this was nice. (Gif from the Heights.)

Former Eagles settling into their new teams

With ten players signing deals this past weekend, plenty of BC guys made news in their hometowns or with their new teams. Here are just a few of the articles.

As we've been saying, the Packers viewed Rettig's multiple OCs as a positive. He's knows how to learn a new offense quickly.

Nate Freese was the first kicker drafted by the Lions since 1992. Detroit is hoping he's a long-term solution.

People back in Pennsylvania were happy for Andre Williams.

Divitto hopes to make the Jets' roster.

Patchan wasn't the only Tampa native the Bucs signed as undrafted free agents.

Ian White's hometown wrote a long feature on him prior to getting drafted. The San Diego deal will be a nice post script.

NFL Draft ends with a run on BC players

No one really knew where Andre Williams was headed, but in the end if was very predictable. The Giants -- a team with a rich BC tradition -- took Williams in the Fourth Round. The Giants are changing their offense, but I don't think they are going to ask Andre to be a pass catcher. He's going to be about pounding the ball and establishing play action for Eli. I don't think Andre is a fit everywhere, so I am glad he went to a team that will use him well and be patient.

Williams got things started and then what could have been a slow day, quickly became a great day for Eagles. The Seahawks took KPL in the Fourth Round. I think that's a great fit for him as they like to use players in multiple roles, and he has the speed to play a small end but also cover TEs and RBs. The Lions drafted Freese in the Seventh Round and the 49ers used their last pick on Kaleb Ramsey. Freese should be a sure thing for Detroit. If Ramsey can stay healthy, he should also make the 49ers roster.

After the Draft ended, the undrafted guys quickly found teams. Divitto signed with the Jets, Edebali signed with the Saints, Sinkovec signed with the Ravens, White signed with the Chargers, and Rettig signed with the Packers. The Packer-Rettig situation reminded me so much of Matt Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck went through multiple coaches and coordinators and dealt with a lot of losses while at BC. But the Packers proved to be the perfect situation to become an NFL QB. Rettig has the same chance now.

The one surprise is that Matt Patchan has not signed with any team yet. Given the number of private workouts Patchan had, I think he'll catch on with some team soon, unless there is an issue we are not aware off. UPDATE: Patchan signed with Tampa.

I don't know if any of these guys will be stars, but they are all getting a chance. That's what matters.

Tweets of the Week

.@BCFootballNews getting it done this morning at @Cycle4Survival in honor of the Gallup Family! #wearebc pic.twitter.com/CPbt1II1ie

— BC for FabuLisa (@BCforFabuLisa) April 30, 2014

Likely the only '14 draft prospect penning a "philosophical memoir." You'll want to read this from RB Andre Williams: http://t.co/yNaET0weku

— The MMQB (@theMMQB) April 29, 2014

VIDEO: EA Sports releases first Madden 15 trailer staring Panthers LB Luke Kuechly. http://t.co/tZhkuIZw1U pic.twitter.com/PKQERVVcXR

— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) April 28, 2014

Hear how my fans helped me adjust to LA. Check out my story for #TheCrossover presented by @Sprint https://t.co/PxRMc5clAh

— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) April 28, 2014

Speaking of @BCLibraries, they've really gone all out this year. #BCStudyDays #Bapst pic.twitter.com/yHsiy2TLhP

— Boston College (@BostonCollege) May 1, 2014

Interest in Williams and other links

It is all speculation, but it is surprising that no clear consensus has developed around Andre Williams. A recent rundown has the Patriots, Steelers, Jets and Browns all interested. Despite his impressive speeds, I still doubt the Williams goes into the first two rounds.

The Baseball team tied up their series with NC State on Saturday. They have a chance to win the series on Sunday.

The Softball team lost to NC State.

Women's Tennis defeated Maryland.

Hockey gets a No. 1 seed and other links

The Hockey team earned the No. 1 seed in the Northeast region. They will play Denver Saturday.

Baseball lost another ACC series, this time to Wake Forest. The lone bright spot is that BC didn't get swept and won their first ACC game of the season. The Globe featured Freshman third baseman Johnny Adams.

Florida State swept Softball.

Lacrosse lost a close game to UNC.

In case you missed it last week, here is the latest Andre Williams diary for MMQB.

KPL love and other links

The biggest BC winner coming out of the NFL Combine is KPL. Both Yahoo and FOX listed him among the biggest movers at the Combine. By dominating his position group in the drills, KPL will force NFL teams to go and look back at his game tape. While not as consistent as Kuechly (who is?), KPL certainly made a lot of plays and a lot of tackles. I think he could move up into the 3rd round.

It looks like BC might use as many as six different running backs next year.

Mike Naples and Steele Divitto are training together for BC's Pro Day at the renowned Parisi Football Academy. Naples started blogging about the experience too.

This Falcons blogger wants Andre Williams in Atlanta. Considering how often the Falcons like to screen, I don't know if it is a good fit.

OL Prospect Justin Skule is looking at multiple ACC schools.

The Women's Lacrosse team's matchup with Syracuse Wednesday is great opportunity for the team to move up the rankings.

Amidon's decision

While Andre Williams and Matt Patchan open eyes at the NFL Combine, there is one BC star whose story is not getting much attention. Alex Amidon began the season as a legitimate Wide Receiver prospect. Although BC passed less this year, Amidon's speed against elite DBs would have been enough to get NFL attention. Yet he isn't at the NFL Combine and is not training for the BC Pro Day. Alex Amidon has decided to not continue his football career. Instead he's enjoying his final days at BC as a regular student.

While I don't think Amidon would have been a sure thing in the NFL, he was good enough. Amidon possessed legitimate speed and decent hands. He easily could have caught on with the right team or in a pass happy system. Heck, he still has time to change his mind. But regardless I think Amidon does deserve congratulation on his choice. Not many people could or would turn down the allure of the NFL to find their own path.

Another Florida transfer and other links

Look for Ian Silberman to transfer to Boston College.
— Jason Higdon (@Jason_Higdon) January 10, 2014

For the second year, Addazio has shored up his offensive line with one of his former Florida players. 5th year Offensive Lineman Ian Silberman is expected to enroll at BC this semester. Because he's completed his degree, he is eligible to play immediately. Many expected Silberman to transfer to Louisville before Charlie Strong took the Texas job. The Silberman news is good on many fronts. First there is the added depth and strength on the Oline. Once again we also benefit from the 5th year rule which allows us to plug a known commodity in yet not lock up a scholarship for four years. BC will never be big in the JuCo ranks, so this is the next best thing. Finally it is another recruiting tool for Addazio. Like Patchan before him, Silberman is an example to all future recruits that Addazio cares about his players and that BC can be preferable to the football factories. Silberman might not be the only 5th year coming. BC has actively looking for a QB to serve as an insurance policy next season.

Andre Williams' shoulder injury will keep him out of the Senior Bowl.

If the NCAA allows it, the ACC could scrap the division format and have a championship game with the two best teams.

Mel Kiper still thinks Matt Ryan was the best player from the 2008 Draft.

Basketball wins and other links

The basketball team beat Philadelphia on Sunday. They're a Division II team, so it doesn't do much for BC's resume. However, I am glad we finally won.

Matt Patchan turned out to be one of the key players of the season. It worked so well because he was immediately available and had a prior relationship with Addazio. Another Florida player just graduated early, is available and looking to transfer. This time it is QB Tyler Murphy. Speculation on his destinations include BC.

BC offered Evander Holyfield's son. As an example of the change in mindset, Holyfield is a 2016 prospect!

One columnist explained why he voted for Williams for Heisman.

Brian broke down the votes for Williams. I guessed that he would earn around 50 1st Place votes. He only received 29.

Williams and Arizona Running Back bonded on the award circuit.

Williams finishes 4th in Heisman

Andre Williams finished fourth in the 2013 Heisman voting. As expected Florida State Quarterback Jameis Winston won in a landslide. Williams deserves our thanks for an incredible and memorable season and for representing BC so well in this process.

Tweets of the Week

Andre Williams @BCSportsNews wins the @DoakWalkerAward Nation’s Premier RB #CFBAwards pic.twitter.com/1i3vhIrIHO

— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) December 13, 2013

You're going to see the two best tailbacks in the country. - @ArizonaFBall HC Rodriguez says to cheers

— BC Football News (@BCFootballNews) December 13, 2013

Jets punter Ryan Quigley and tight end Chris Pantale are living in the Pantale family's home as they play in the NFL. http://t.co/XcawiD99uu

— WSJ Sports (@WSJSports) December 13, 2013

Luke Kuechly dancing to Vanilla Ice: even more white than it sounds http://t.co/tveF3yeDIq

— Kissing Suzy Kolber (@KissMeSuzy) December 11, 2013

Always good to be back at @BostonCollege!!!! I owe everything to this school, it help a young boy from SD reach his dream to the NBA

— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) December 10, 2013

Williams invited to Heisman ceremony in NYC

Andre Williams is a Heisman Finalist. Who would have ever thought of that before the season? Williams remains a long shot to win the award over FSU Quarterback Jameis Winston, but this is truly a case of being honored by the nomination. Williams is one of two running backs at the ceremony and the only one to break 2,000 yards. The Finalists are SEC heavy and QB heavy, so maybe there is an outside chance that a split vote favors Andre.

The presentation will be on ESPN this Saturday night. Addazio and Williams will both be there. It will be just one more opportunity to promote and represent BC to a national audience. I know it will be the first time I've watched the show in years.

Congratulations obviously go to Williams and his Offensive Line. Credit should also go the the Fullbacks, Tight Ends and WRs who also blocked for him. And to Rettig too for taking a back seat this season. The Football Staff deserve thanks for putting together an effective offense around Wiliams and Sports Information deserve credit for putting together a late season Heisman campaign.

I am prepared for Winston to win, but I will dream that Andre pulls the upset right up to when they open the envelope.

BC headed to Shreveport to face Arizona

Boston College will play Arizona in AdvoCare V100 Bowl in Shreveport, source said
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) December 8, 2013

The Independence Bowl -- currently known as the AdvoCare V100 Bowl -- selected BC for their 2013 edition. We will play Pac 12 at large team Arizona. Despite all my bemoaning of the date and location, this is still a good thing. I will have a lot more on the bowl and Arizona in the coming weeks, but let me share the best aspect of this arrangement: ESPN and Shreveport wanted BC in this game.

For years we've been told how undesirable we are for bowls. How this played out proves otherwise. Even though this is not a major bowl, this is the oldest bowl we've played in since the Cotton. Shreveport has good local support and wants the best possible match-up. It is not just a exhibition by the local CVB to bilk teams into buying tickets and guaranteeing hotel rooms. They wanted BC and they wanted an Andre Williams-Ka'Deem Carey face off. ESPN wanted us in this game too. While Brad Bates and I were loving the idea of BC on New Year's Day, ESPN just looked at it as a wasted opportunity. The Heart of Dallas Bowl gets low, low ratings because of its timeslot and ESPN U. The Independence Bowl kicks off a relatively busy bowl day and the first half of the game will be unopposed. It will get a big rating. We will hear "Williams vs Carey" over and over, especially when ESPN promotes the game during the earlier bowls.

This is good news and should be a good game. Remember if you do go, buy your tickets directly from BC.

Tweets of the Week

I believe Charlie Pierce makes this point, but do NOT fuck with the Jesuits. They are smarter than you. They're God's Marines. OORAH, mother

— Jeb Lund (@Mobute) December 6, 2013

IMPORTANT: @RonBurgundy calling the Doug Flutie Hail Mary pass - http://t.co/1PFbGITaQ8 (@bcinterruption @bcatleagle #WeAreBC #Anchorman

— Red Fabbri (@redfabbri) December 5, 2013

A BC football player is talking about "the human conscience" on sportscenter. My life is complete #Andre44Heisman

— ATR (@AroundTheRes) December 5, 2013

Just saw the BC-Purdue score. Is BC the most disappointing team in the country? I lean toward UNLV but still....

— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) December 5, 2013

In-game comments post: Syracuse

This season has gone by fast. That tends to happen when things are going well. But Heismans and better bowls won't happen if we don't beat Syracuse. Let's hope the guys are ready! Leave your thoughts and comments below.

You can also follow me on twitter.

Tweets of the Week

VIDEO: Boston College's Andre Williams runs like he's got a Super Mario Invincibility Star. http://t.co/U57gT07YuT

— Deadspin (@Deadspin) November 27, 2013

Thought a lot about @kelleyri writing the Andre Williams story. He's the consummate BC student, the type Dick would love to promote.

— Pete Thamel (@SIPeteThamel) November 26, 2013

Things I never expected to see coming into this season: Chris Fowler saying why BC RB Andre Williams should be invited to NY for the Heisman

— Richard Slate (@RichSlate) November 24, 2013

Steve Addazio: "I read the Heisman mission statement. All the things in the mission statement ft Andre like a glove." #Andre44Heisman

— BC Football News (@BCFootballNews) November 26, 2013